Bucs spoil Reds opener
Lofton, Sanders lift Pittsburgh to 10-1 win

Published: March 31, 2003 7:00PM

CINCINNATI (AP) Something was inadvertently left out of the blueprints for the Cincinnati Reds new ballpark. The home-field advantage is missing.

Great American Ball Park was designed to help Ken Griffey Jr. and the rest of the Reds left-handed power hitters reach the seats with much more ease. Instead, it plays like it was built with the visiting team in mind.

Former Reds outfielder Reggie Sanders started Pittsburghs three-homer barrage in one inning, and the Pirates won the ballparks official opener 10-1 on Monday.

Kenny Lofton and Jason Kendall also homered as the Pirates dug in and made themselves right at home.

The wind was blowing out pretty brisk tonight, but I imagine its going to be a pretty fair hitters park, manager Lloyd McClendon said.

In two exhibitions against Cleveland and Mondays opener, the ballpark has favored some of the hitters those batting in the top of the innings. The Reds have been outscored 19-3 while losing both exhibitions and the one that counted.

It looked like its a Pirate hitters park, unfortunately, said shortstop Barry Larkin, who caught a ceremonial first pitch from former President George Bush. Hopefully, well start hitting like that.

The Reds were one of the majors worst home teams in their last two seasons at Cinergy Field. They hoped the move to Great American, with an inviting 325-foot distance to the right-field foul pole, would perk them up.

So far, so wrong.

I dont know, manager Bob Boone said. We havent swung well for the last 10 days of spring training. Some of it today might have been nerves.

Both teams were introduced during a patriotic pregame show. Daniel Rodriguez the Singing Policeman from New York City performed the national anthem, and dozens of red, white and blue streamers were shot from the rooftop as the crowd chanted USA! USA! USA!

Bush, filling in for his son, threw a strike to Larkin for the ceremonial first pitch, joking with Pirates on the field that he had an interest in the outcome.

He said he was going to hit us because he wanted the Reds to win, Sanders said.